Switch device

Abstract

A switch device comprises a resilient contact member and a support member carrying the contact member. The support member is movable between a first position in which the contact member is in electrically-conductive contact with two conductor elements that are stationary relative to each other and a second position in which the contact member is spaced from at least one of the conductor elements. A resilient member urges the support member in the direction from the second position towards the first position.

I claim: 
     
       1. A switch assembly comprising a circuit board having two conductor runs on one main surface thereof, and a switch device for providing electrical connection between said conductor runs, said switch device comprising: a block of resilient dielectric material having one surface presented towards said one main surface of the circuit board and having at said one surface two ridges which project towards the conductor runs respectively,   a strip of conductive material adhered to said one surface of the block and extending across said ridges,   a support member carrying the block of resilient material, the support member being movable relative to the circuit board between a first position in which the block of resilient material is compressed and the strip of conductive material is held in electrically-conductive pressure contact with the conductor runs by the block of resilient material, and a second position in which the strip of conductive material is spaced from at least one of the conductor runs, and   a resilient member urging the support member in the direction from its second position towards its first position.   
     
     
       2. A switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support member is movable rectilinearly in a direction substantially perpendicular to said one main surface between the first position and the second position. 
     
     
       3. A switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board is formed with an opening and the support member comprises a plunger that extends through the opening, and wherein the said resilient member is disposed on the opposite side of the circuit board from the block of resilient material. 
     
     
       4. A switch assembly according to claim 3, wherein the circuit board has a ground plane on its main surface opposite said one main surface and the support member is made of dielectric material and said resilient member is a metallic spring. 
     
     
       5. A switch assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a device disposed at the same side of the circuit board as said resilient member for engaging the support member and urging it in the direction from its first position towards its second position. 
     
     
       6. A switch assembly according to claim 1, comprising a retainer plate carried by the support member and movable therewith, and wherein the block of resilient material is positioned between the circuit board and the retainer plate.